British influence and control over what would become Nigeria and Africa’s most populous country grew through the 19th century. A series of constitutions after World War II granted Nigeria greater autonomy. After independence in 1960, politics were marked by coups and mostly military rule, until the death of a military head of state in 1998 allowed for a political transition. In 1999, a new constitution was adopted and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The government continues to face the daunting task of institutionalizing democracy and reforming a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement. In addition, Nigeria continues to experience longstanding ethnic and religious tensions. Although both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were marred by significant irregularities and violence, Nigeria is currently experiencing its longest period of civilian rule since independence. The general elections of April 2007 marked the first civilian-to-civilian transfer of power in the country’s history and the elections of 2011 were generally regarded as credible. The 2015 election is considered the most well run in Nigeria since the return to civilian rule, with the umbrella opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, defeating the long-ruling People's Democratic Party that had governed since 1999.

The terrorist organization Boko Haram killed thousands of persons, in both indiscriminate acts of violence and deliberate attacks targeting Christians, as well as Muslims who spoke out against or opposed their radical ideology. Civil society groups estimated Boko Haram killed more people during 2016 than in the previous five years combined. Boko Haram expanded its control over urban areas of Borno and Adamawa States in the northeast, committing abuses such as mass killings, mass kidnappings, sexual assault, forced conversion, and forced conscription.

Pray for our missionaries to the country and for the indigenous pastors and ministers with whom we have established relations for God's continuing grace and mercy in keeping them out of harm’s way.

Sources: CIA’s The World Factbook, The Joshua Project, U.S. Department of State